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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, March 8, 2018 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – The Team Unity-led Government of St. Kitts and Nevis remains committed to its mandate of putting people first. This was once again demonstrated on Friday, April 6, when five local contractors officially signed contracts signaling their participation in the first phase of the island main road rehabilitation project.

 

The five entities awarded contracts to participate in phase one of the road project are Allie Construction, Boonies Construction, B&B Ltd., Huggins and Son Construction and O’Loughlin Construction.

 

The landmark contract signing ceremony with small contractors for Special Capital Road Projects took place in the vicinity of the Airport Roundabout.

 

The ceremony was attended by Governor General, His Excellency Sir S. W. Tapley Seaton; members of the Federal Cabinet including Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris; Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Shawn Richards; Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Honourable Ian Patches Liburd and the Honourable Lindsay Grant; employees of the Public Works Department, local contractors and members of the public.

 

Minister Liburd stated that once completed, the rehabilitation work will result in a significantly improved road network throughout the island.

 

“This road project is all about traffic safety as well. That’s why in some areas they are widening the roads; that’s why in some areas you will find drainage; most areas will have pedestrian access so people will have sidewalks on which to move around, and of course overall it will improve the safety on the roads here in St. Kitts,” the minister said. 

 

Prime Minister Harris said he is particularly encouraged by the number of jobs this project will create for the ordinary citizens and residents, as well as the spinoff effects it will have on the local economy.

 

Dr. Harris added, “What this means is…jobs for people, jobs for people within their communities, jobs for persons outside of their communities and importantly because we are a government that puts the people first we have ensured, and we have been careful to ensure, that the contractors who are participating in this project are all locals.”

 

 The prime minister continued, “We are working for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis and we are doing things carefully, thoughtfully and properly. It is important for people to understand that those who have emerged as awardees today they were not handpicked, as it were, by anybody, but most importantly they were not handpicked by any politicians. They went through a bidding process where the best of the lot emerged out of 22 and so I want to hail the transparent process.”  

 

The first phase of the rehabilitation work, which is expected to commence shortly, will begin at the Airport Roundabout going eastward to Keys Village. A second set of work will also be taking place at the Camps’ Roundabout heading west down to the Challengers community.